System and method for providing secure identification solutions utilizing a radio frequency device in a non-metallized region connected to a metallized region

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and methods for transmitting and receiving information from a radio frequency (RF) transponder. A conductive adhesive connects an antenna in a non-metallized region to a metallized region. This feature transforms the entire metallized region of the radio frequency device (i.e., the remainder of the metallized material outside the non-metallized region) into an antenna.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/428,257 filed Nov. 22, 2002. The entirety of thatprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

The application incorporates by reference: U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/636,732, filed Aug. 8, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/615,026, filed Jul. 9, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/118,092, filed Apr. 9, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,688; PCT PatentApplication PCT/IB02/01439, filed Apr. 30, 2002; German PatentApplication No. 10121126.0, filed Apr. 30, 2001; Mexican PatentApplications No. 010967, filed Oct. 26, 2001, No. 010968, filed Oct. 26,2001, No. 010969, filed Oct. 26, 2001, No. 010971, filed Oct. 26, 2001,No. 003141, filed Mar. 25, 2002, and No. 003202, filed Mar. 26, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method forproviding secure identification solutions, and specifically to a systemand method for providing secure identification solutions utilizingdevices with radio frequency (RF) transponders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate RF devices 100 and 200, according to twoembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of making 300, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of use 400 of use of the RF device describedabove, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for transmitting andreceiving information from a radio frequency (RF) device (e.g., an RFtransponder). A conductive adhesive connects an antenna in anon-metallized region to a metallized region. This feature transformsthe entire metallized region of the RF device (i.e., the remainder ofthe metallized material outside the non-metallized region) into anantenna. This enables greater reading distance and greater datacapacity.

In one embodiment, the non-metallized region is a formerly metallizedregion that has been demetallized. A metal foil substrate which remainsfollowing the demetallization process is converted into an antennalsurface. This antennal surface captures power as a parabolic orincreased area, rather than allowing the metal foil substrate tointerfere.

Connection of the antenna to the metallized region can take place in avariety of areas. The following description sets forth two possibleattachment configurations (e.g., connections on the sides, connectionson the top and bottom), but those experienced in the art will see thatmultiple other attachment configurations are possible.

The present invention utilizes the following features: passivetransponder systems; and retro-reflective, holographic, and othermetallic materials.

Passive Transponder Systems. Passive transponder systems are usedworldwide for many identification purposes. A passive transponder systemis powered by an electromagnetic field of a reader. (No power supply iswithin the transponder.) A transponder is a transceiver (e.g., atransmitter/receiver that both transmits and receives signals) in acommunication satellite that receives a signal from an earth station andretransmits it on a different frequency to one or more other earthstations. An internal antenna of the transponder is used for both datatransmission and energy transmission between the reader and thetransponder, using, for example, the same frequency for the data andenergy transmissions.

Retro-Reflective, Holographic, and Other Metallic Materials.Retro-reflective materials can reflect and re-emit incident light in adirection that is parallel to that of the source of the incident light.In other words, retro-reflective materials reflect light directly backtoward the source of the light. Such materials and devices are widelyused in the areas of nighttime transportation and safety. For example,retro-reflective materials are used to illuminate highway lanes and roadsigns using the light emitted from vehicle headlights. Retro-reflectivematerials are also used for the production of plates and decals forvehicles and for truck containers, tractors and other applications.Retro-reflective materials have a bright effect under direct lightwithout disturbing human sight.

Holographic materials have also been used for identification purposes.Since holograms are difficult to counterfeit, they are increasingly usedfor identification purposes (e.g., driver's licenses, credit cards, buspasses, etc.) to increase security.

Both retro-reflective and holographic materials typically contain a veryhigh level of metal such as aluminum. Holograms, for example, aretypically stamped from metal foils. It is known that metal blocks thetransmission and reception of RF signals because the RF signal isabsorbed or distorted by the metal content in the material. As a result,the signal cannot be received by an antenna blocked by metal. Such ablocked signal cannot be used, for example, to activate a connecteddevice. This same blocking effect can occur whether the device ispositioned on top of or underneath the metallic material because thedistortion and absorption of the RF signal will be affected in eithercase.

The RF Device

In one embodiment of the invention, as described further, for example,in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/394,241, filed Jul.9, 2002, and the corresponding utility U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/615,026, filed Jul. 9, 2003, a system for delivering securitysolutions is provided that includes one or more of the following: aradio frequency (RF) device; and an identification mechanism (e.g., acard, sticker, device). According to another embodiment of the presentinvention, as described further in these applications, the RF deviceincludes retro-reflective, holographic, or other material containingmetal, and an antenna for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals.

As explained above, in one embodiment of the present invention, anentire metallized region of an RF device is transformed into an antennaby connecting an antenna in a non-metallized region to a metallizedregion, allowing for greater reading distance and greater data accuracy.Connecting the antenna in the non-metallized region to the metallizedregion also aids in overcoming transmission problems created by metallicmaterials.

FIG. 1 illustrates an RF device 100, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The RF device 100 comprises: a metallized region 110(e.g., a retro-reflective, holographic, or other metal material), anon-metallized region 115 (e.g., a demetallized region), an antenna 120,a chip 125, and a connection 130 (e.g., a conductive adhesive). Anoptional holographic image is included in the non-metallized region. Anoptional liner 105 is used as a base layer to carry the adhesive intothe label.

The metallized region 110 comprises, for example, the followingmaterials: Retro-Reflective, Holographic, and metallized covers. Thenon-metallized region 115 comprises, for example, the followingmaterials: PET, PVC, Polypropylene, vinyl. The antenna 120 comprises,for example, the following materials: conductive inks, aluminum, etc.The chip 125 (e.g., Picorypt made by Inside Technologies, Sahara made byBNC US Holding, San Diego, Calif., or any RF chip) comprises controllogic for controlling the RF signal and for Analog to Digital or Digitalto Analog conversion. The connection 130 comprises, for example, thefollowing materials: gold and/or silver bumps. The holographic imagecomprises, for example, the following materials: Aluminum. The baselayer comprises, for example, the following materials: PET, PVC,Polypropylene, vinyl. The connection 130 connects the sides of theantenna 120 in the non-metallized region 115 to the metallized region110. The antenna 120 is thus in electrical communication (i.e.,electronically coupled) with the chip 125. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the non-metallized region 115 has been selectivelydemetallized such that the chip 125 can transmit and receiveinformation.

FIG. 2 illustrates an RF device 200, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The RF device 200 comprises: a metallized region 220(e.g., a retro-reflective, holographic, or other metallic material), anon-metallized region 215, an antenna 205, a chip 225, and a connection210 (e.g., a conductive adhesive). The components of device 200, in oneembodiment, are made of material similar to that described above withreference to FIG. 1. The connection 210 connects a portion of the topand bottom of the antenna 205 in the non-metallized region 215 to themetallized region 210. The antenna 220 is in electrical communicationwith the chip 225.

Method of Making the RF Device

FIG. 3 illustrates an overview of a method of making 300, according toone embodiment of the present invention. A method of making an RF devicecomprising a base layer and at least one metal region disposed thereonis illustrated. In step 305, a first metal region of the device isselectively demetallized to create a non-metallized region. The processof demetalization comprises covering the parts that are not wanted fordemetalization with a protective layer of indelible inks, afterwards,the material is placed in a solution of ferric chloride and hydrochloricacid, which will remove the whole metallic material that has not beenprotected. Then, the material is washed to eliminate the residual acidand the protective inks. The conductivity of the material is measuredfor quality control, and to assure that the metallized material will besuitable for use as an antenna for the Radio Frequency device. In step310, a holographic image is formed on the non-metallized region. To makea holographic image, a beam of laser light is optically separated intotwo beams. One, the reference beam, is directed toward a piece ofholographic film and expanded (its diameter increased) so that the lightcovers the film evenly and completely. The second (object) beam isdirected at the subject of the composition and similarly expanded toilluminate it.

When the object beam reflects off the subject, it carries with itinformation about the location, size, shape and texture of the subject.Some of this reflected object beam then meets the reference beam at theholographic film, producing an interference pattern which is recorded inthe light sensitive emulsion.

Embossed holograms are holograms with a mirror backing. Embossing is themost frequently used method of mass-production in holography. Theholographic information is transferred from light sensitive glass platesto nickel embossing shims. The holographic images are “printed” bystamping the interference pattern onto plastic and then backing theimages with a light reflecting foil. The resulting hologram can beduplicated millions of times. In step 315, an antenna is formed on thebase layer. In step 320, an RF chip is mounted on the base layer inelectrical communication with the antenna to form an RF transponder. Instep 325, the antenna in the non-metallized region is connected to themetallized region with a connector (e.g., a conductive adhesive).

Example use of the RF Device

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of use 400 of RF device 100 and/or 200,according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this case, theRF device is a window sticker 405 displayed on a vehicle 410. As thevehicle passes an RF reader 415 (e.g., a U519 reader manufactured by BNCUS holding, San Diego, Calif.) the information from the RF device isread. In one embodiment, an RF reader/writer is used, and information isread and written to and from the RF device. As will be apparent to thoseskilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, thewindow sticker is merely one illustration of the multiple uses of an RFdevice, and that the present invention is not limited to thisembodiment. Other example uses of the RF device are: a passport, adriver's license, a license plate or other vehicle identificationmechanism, a sticker, and a cell phone.

CONCLUSION

The present invention is described in terms of the above embodiments.This is for convenience only and is not intended to limit theapplication of the present invention. In fact, after reading thedescription of the present invention or upon learning by practice of theinvention, additional advantages, features, and embodiments of theinvention will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant arts.

In addition, it should be understood that the Figures described above,which highlight the functionality and advantages of the presentinvention, are presented for example purposes only. The architecture ofthe present invention is sufficiently flexible and configurable, suchthat it may be utilized in ways other than that shown in the Figures.

1. A radio frequency device comprising: at least one metallized region;at least one non-metallized region; at least one antenna on the at leastone non-metallized region; at least one radio frequency chip inelectrical communication with the at least one antenna; and at least oneelectrical connection connecting the at least one antenna to the atleast one metallized region, wherein the at least one antenna iselectrically interspersed between the radio frequency chip and the atleast one metallized region, such that the at least one metallizedregion acts as a second antenna or as a part of the at least oneantenna; and, wherein the at least one metallized region is not indirect electrical communication with the at least one radio frequencychip.
 2. The radio frequency device of claim 1, further comprising: atleast one base layer.
 3. The radio frequency device of claim 2, whereinthe at least one metallized region is disposed on the at least one baselayer.
 4. The radio frequency device of claim 1, wherein the at leastone non-metallized region is created by demetallizing a portion of theat least one metallized region.
 5. The radio frequency device of claim1, further comprising at least one holographic image.
 6. The radiofrequency device of claim 5, wherein the at least one holographic imageis in the at least one non-metallized region.
 7. A radio frequencydevice comprising: at least one base layer; at least one metallizedregion disposed on the at least one base layer; at least onenon-metallized region; at least one antenna on the at least onenon-metallized region; at least one radio frequency chip on the at leastone base layer in electrical communication with the at least oneantenna; and at least one electrical connection connecting the at leastone antenna to the at least one metallized region, wherein the at leastone antenna is electrically interspersed between the radio frequencychip and the at least one metallized region, such that the at least onemetallized region acts as a second antenna or as a part of the at leastone antenna; and, wherein the at least one metallized region is not indirect electrical communication with the at least one radio frequencychip.
 8. The radio frequency device of claim 7, further comprising atleast one holographic image.
 9. The radio frequency device of claim 7,wherein the at least one holographic image is in the at least onenon-metallized region.
 10. The radio frequency device of claim 7,wherein the at least one non-metallized region is created bydemetallizing a portion of the at least one metallized region.
 11. Aradio frequency device comprising: at least one base layer; at least onemetallized region disposed on the at least one base layer; at least onenon-metallized region; at least one holographic image; at least oneantenna on the at least one non-metallized region; at least one radiofrequency chip in the at least one base layer in communication with theat least one antenna; and at least one electrical connection connectingthe at least one antenna to the at least one metallized region, whereinthe at least one antenna is electrically interspersed between the radiofrequency chip and the at least one metallized region, such that the atleast one metallized region acts as a second antenna or as a part of theat least one antenna; and, wherein the at least one metallized region isnot in direct electrical communication with the at least one radiofrequency chip.
 12. The radio frequency device of claim 11, wherein theat least one holographic image is in the at least one non-metallizedregion.
 13. The radio frequency device of claim 11, wherein the at leastone non-metallized region is created by demetallizing a portion of theat least one metallized region.
 14. A radio frequency device comprising:at least one base layer; at least one metallized region disposed on theat least one base layer; at least one non-metallized region; at leastone holographic image on the at least one non-metallized region; atleast one antenna on the at least one non-metallized region; at leastone radio frequency chip in the at least one base layer in communicationwith the at least one antenna; and at least one electrical connectionconnecting the at least one antenna to the at least one metallizedregion such that the at least one metallized region acts as a secondantenna or as a part of the one antenna.
 15. The radio frequency deviceof claim 14, wherein the at least one non-metallized region is createdby demetallizing a portion of the at least one metallized region.
 16. Aradio frequency device comprising: at least one base layer; at least onemetallized region disposed on the at least one base layer; at least onenon-metallized region; at least one holographic image in the at leastone non-metallized region; at least one antenna on the at least onenon-metallized region; at least one radio frequency chip on the at leastone base layer in communication with the at least one antenna; and atleast one electrical connection connecting the at least one antenna tothe at least one metallized region such that the at least one metallizedregion acts as a second antenna or as a part of the at least oneantenna; and whereby the at least one non-metallized region is createdby demetallizing a portion of the at least one metallized region.